Student Profile: Christina Schuman '16

Activities
Getting to know people, laughing with and photographing those people, dancing anywhere that has enough space, listening to copious amounts of music, and touring the neat streets, restaurants, and shops around Chattanooga.

Favorite place on campus
The chapel on sunny Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 AM—front section, about four rows back. The light shines in through those stunning stained-glass windows, the room is quiet before everyone rushes in, and then we all join to worship. I wish I could better describe it with words, but that's often the most difficult task when trying to explain beautiful things.

Why did you choose Covenant?
Initially, I did not want to come to Covenant. I had just graduated from a very small Christian school and wanted to go to a huge public university near home. The closer it got to decision time, the Lord opened my heart to the idea of Covenant and provided financially. I realized it would be a safe place for me to struggle independently—to struggle through who I am as a follower of Christ, and to struggle through what that means for my life and beliefs. I chose Covenant because I wanted to be in an environment where I could live alongside people who genuinely loved the Lord and wanted to serve him and grow in him. I needed that and still need that every day. I also loved the change of scenery and people—fresh faces make life more exciting. The campus is beautiful, and I don’t mind that either.

How is Covenant unique?
Well, obviously the location is stunning, and not many people can say they wake up to the view we have. But really, Covenant is unique in its approach to Christian education. The faculty and staff truly desire to ensure Christ’s preeminence permeates their teaching and stay committed to it. That doesn’t mean they always do it perfectly or everyone here is consistently spiritually "solid," but it does mean that this is an environment where our sinfulness and hard questions find their answer in Jesus and through fellowship in the body of Christ.

What has been your favorite experience at Covenant?
I love Jazz on the Overlook. Everyone looks so classy and swing dancing is the BEST. The city lights in the background make the night cozy and beautiful.

What is your favorite class, and why?
My favorite class has been Doctrine with Professor Madueme. One of the key things he's taught us about theology is that it should ultimately lead us to worship. I feel privileged to say that as I've sat through his classes, I've been led to worship the Lord as I learn more about him. It is clear Professor Madueme truly loves and believes what he teaches, and it's a blessing to be taught theology by someone in love with their God.

What person at Covenant has had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Chaplain Messner has had the biggest impact on me. I love going to all of his chapel talks because without fail, every time, his sincere and honest passion for Jesus and His work on the cross grips my attention and teaches me the gospel truths I need so desperately but forget so easily.

What’s your favorite part of the day at Covenant?
I really love meal times. Students you wouldn’t typically see or people you don’t have classes with are eating at the same time as you, and that is so enjoyable for me. It’s a great time to socialize (and eat, obviously).

What are your post-graduation plans?
Many things in my story are currently unfixed and unformed, so I don't have a concrete answer—but that's okay. I hope to move somewhere new, travel anywhere and everywhere, work in careers that help restore places and benefit people, get great at salsa dancing, meet people and do life with them, be married, continue learning how magnificent God really is—and photograph it all along the way.

How is Covenant equipping you for the future?
My professors and classes are forcing me to think deeply about the world we live in. Through Covenant, the Lord is ceaselessly teaching me to die to myself and love people more, with a love not of myself, but from the One who loves perfectly.

The mission of Covenant College is to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. We offer the world biblically grounded men and women equipped to live out extraordinary callings in ordinary places.